Euro NCAP: Alfa, BMW and Mazda tested - Introduction

Euro NCAP has published its latest test crash test results and both the Alfa Guilietta and BMW 5 Series scored the maximum five stars, while the Mazda CX-7 received a four-star rating.

Of the three, the BMW scored the highest marks for pedestrian protection, thanks to its ‘active' bonnet. This automatically lifts the car's bonnet when it strikes a pedestrian.

The BMW also scored 100% in the Safety Assist section of the test, as stability control, seatbelt reminders and a driver-set speed limitation device are all standard across the range.

According to the organisation, the Alfa's seat and head restraint gave good protection, but the Mazda provided poor protection against whiplash.

For Euro NCAP's detailed notes on each of the cars, click on the links on the left.